Abhishek Sahoo Review at University Of Leeds, Leeds | Collegedunia

Hustle At The University of Leeds

6.7
Verified Review (Out of 10)
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Academic
8.0
Accommodation
8.0
Faculty
6.0
Infrastructure
8.0
Social Life
6.0
Placement
4.0

Student's Snapshots

Infrastructure & Academic Building
Infrastructure & Academic Building
Infrastructure & Academic Building
Campus
Campus
Classroom
Classroom
Accommodation
Accommodation
Accommodation
Accommodation
Abhishek Sahoo
Reviewed on Feb 20, 2025(Enrolled 2023)

Course Curriculum

8

  • The course's difficulty was moderate, and students who attend lectures and complete assignments according to the guidelines should be able to perform well. 
  • Since my course was in business management, it was more theoretical. An internship or placement semester as part of the course would have been beneficial for more practical, on-the-job learning. However, the combination of lectures, engaging seminars, case study-based pitching/presentations, and the immersion program in which I was selected provided a valuable learning experience. 
  • I had classes throughout the week, usually in the afternoon and late afternoon, with one or two classes per day.

Admission Experience

  • Applied to the University of Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, and Leeds, and received an unconditional offer letter from all of them and was accepted. 
  • All of them required certain documents to change my conditional offer letter to unconditional, but Liverpool offered me an unconditional offer straightaway with an automatic scholarship, which made me question their quality.
  • I picked the University of Leeds after considering different factors like rankings and city life. The admission process was easy. I used an agency to help me out, and they took care of most of the stuff, like collecting my education documents. I didn't have to take the IELTS test because they accepted my English scores from Class X and XII. It was a smooth process, no hassle at all.
  • In January of 2023, I submitted my application for the September 2023 intake. By the end of February, I had received an unconditional offer letter. There was no communication or updates shared with me during the selection process. However, the first email I received from the University informed me that I had been selected but needed to provide my English proficiency test scores to receive my unconditional offer letter. As an IELTS alternative, I submitted my English test scores, and the requirement was subsequently waived.

Faculty

6

  • I found all the faculty members to be excellent, but my dissertation supervisor was particularly knowledgeable and supportive. His guidance was instrumental in helping me succeed in my dissertation.
  • Approximately 200 students were enrolled in my class, the majority of whom were of Asian descent, with Indians comprising nearly 45% of the class.
  • The faculty-to-student ratio is inadequate due to the large number of students enrolled in our program, resulting in monotonous lectures. However, the seminars which divide the class into smaller groups, provides a more favorable faculty-to-student ratio, leading to good engagement and effective learning. 
  • The teaching methodology emphasises research, necessitating extensive self-study and research skills, which equips students with crucial skills sought by employers in the current market.
  • While the faculty does not directly assist in finding part-time jobs, our university's student service agency, JobLink, offers some assistance in this area. 

Campus Life

8

  • The University of Leeds is a renowned educational institution with a centralized campus located in the heart of Leeds city center. Unlike some other universities, it does not have any subsidiary campuses. 
  • The university boasts three libraries, a state-of-the-art facility known as the Edge, and an on-site hospital. Students have access to a diverse range of over 300 clubs and societies, catering to various interests and providing opportunities for personal and professional development. While most of these clubs and societies require a membership fee, there are also several notable ones that are free to join. 
  • The university organizes regular events and fairs, such as the "Buddy Up" program, to facilitate social interaction and networking among students. Additionally, the university hosts popular club events like "Fruity Fridays" every weekend, offering students a vibrant clubbing experience.

Part Time Jobs

  • I do not recall anyone from my batch ending up with a teaching assistant, research assistant, or departmental assistant job role, but they did secure odd jobs at the university. The university pays the minimum wage set by the government; however, they do not get the maximum hours of 20 hours allowed for part-time students in the country.
  • They either get 5-10 hour shifts in a week, and it is not frequent enough to make good money, as everyone is on a zero-contract job. Therefore, finding jobs outside campus is a better option in my opinion as it is very difficult to find a good campus part-time job.
  • The majority of students receive minimum wage, with a select few receiving additional commission based on their job performance. Securing part-time employment while studying can be challenging for students. 
  • The process of finding a job is consistent across various industries. The initial step involves applying through job platforms or directly visiting stores or bars that are hiring and expressing interest in a job opportunity. For part-time positions, the interview process varies depending on the specific job and may involve multiple stages. Interviews often include situation-based questions that assess problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and approach to problem statements. To enhance your chances of standing out among other candidates, focus on developing these skills and ensuring your resume is applicant tracking system (ATS) friendly.

Placement

4

  • Full-time employment opportunities are scarce, and securing a full-time graduate role is particularly challenging. The competition is fierce, with an estimated ratio of one successful candidate for every thousand students or even higher.
  • Companies visit campus and promote themselves at job fairs organized by the university, but these events primarily serve as platforms for distributing promotional materials and encouraging online applications.
  • Consequently, there is limited value in attending these fairs beyond acquiring free items. Numerous graduate roles become available each September, but visa regulations and other factors make it difficult for international students to secure these positions.

Accommodation

Off Campus
8

  • I secured my lodging based on the recommendation provided by my university's website. Although it is a private student accommodation company known as Unipol, it operates as a non-profit organization, offering student housing that provides excellent value for the cost.
  • I resided in Grayson Heights, which was slightly further from the university; however, the cost-effectiveness outweighed this inconvenience, as there was a conveniently located bus stop nearby. Additionally, the rooms were spacious and situated in a high-rise apartment complex, providing a comfortable living environment.
  • I opted for an executive room, which was priced at £89 per week, resulting in a total cost of approximately £420 for my stay. This room was a private space with shared communal areas, including a kitchen and washroom. It was a five-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms, which was manageable.
  • Fortunately, I encountered pleasant flatmates and enjoyed my time there; however, it is important to note that if one does not find suitable flatmates, the living situation can become challenging. Therefore, it is crucial to establish clear boundaries, house rules, and agreements from the outset to ensure a harmonious living environment.

Exams

  • The university requires a bachelor's degree from a relevant field and above the 60th percentile to be eligible for admission to the course.
  • They also require a statement of purpose (SOP) and letters of recommendation from the university when submitting your application.
  • There is no interview, and usually, an offer letter is rolled out, or a rejection email is sent in the case of an unsuccessful application.

Fees

  • The total fee for my course was £27,500. Initially, I had to pay a deposit of £2,500 to secure my spot at the university. Later, I had to pay the remaining fee in two installments.
  • The first installment, which was around £12,500, was due at the end of September, and the second installment, for the same amount, was due at the end of February. 
  • My rent was £420 per month, which is considered to be one of the most affordable options available for private student accommodation.

Scholarship

  • In reference to the University of Leeds scholarship opportunities, it has come to my attention that a classmate of mine was the fortunate recipient of a 50% tuition fee waiver which helped him manage his finances well.
  • This scholarship is granted through an automated selection process, and the specific criteria for eligibility for this award remain undisclosed.